Bellsmith Graphic Design Blog

Studio Sun

2009-02-06T19:31:00.001-05:00

Today, after what seems like a lifetime of cold weather, my studio was graced with a beautiful warm beam of sunlight. I made a point to move my chair into it to bask in the light and the warmth. Hopefully this is a sign that the cold tide is turning.

Coloring Kiss

2009-02-03T19:18:00.001-05:00

Nothing deep and insighful here, I just love the fact that Cali asked to color a picture of a band. I found a cartoon drawing of KISS and she went to town.

The Great Ice Walk of 2009

2009-01-25T18:36:00.001-05:00

After seven years of saying it, today I finally walked across the frozen Saginaw River. Year after year it just amazes me that the river completely freezes and that people not only ice fish on it, but they also snowmobile right down the frozen river. Last weekend, while driving over the bridge, Cali saw people out on the ice and said she wanted to try. Now I had a reason to finally cross the ice.

This afternoon Cali, Jolene and I parked at the West Side boat launch and walked all the way across to Wenonah Park. For the most part the ice was smooth, but there were ice fishing holes to watch out for and the occasional crack. I was a very surreal experience to be standing on water, but reality came crashing back with the viciously cold breeze that comes up the river.

Me And My Shadow

2009-01-25T06:21:00.001-05:00

It's Sunday morning and I can't seem to sleep so I decided to leave the girls snoozing in their beds and walk across to the studio to do some work. For some strange reason I am always captivated by the image of my own shadow when walking past the streetlight so this morning I decided to capture it on film. Just for the record I have not gained 200 pounds, rather I am wearing 3 layers of clothing and a bulky jacket because it is so damn cold.

Mini Disc Golf Basket

2009-01-18T09:28:00.001-05:00

This year for Christmas, Mark and the boys sent Cali a mini disc golf basket. Since she spent so much time here at my studio while she was on Christmas break we decided to put it in the open area outside my studio door. It is a great little basket and we are able to use the Insane For The Chains mini discs that I have left from a promotion that took place several years ago. Now that school is back in I think I am going to have to give the basket back but you can bet that it will be on my Father's Day list this year. Maybe even two baskets so that I can set up a mini course for my procrastination periods.

Studio Redecorating

2009-01-16T11:51:00.001-05:00

Last night and this morning I freshened up the look of the studio. I have been wanting more color in the room and art on the walls and I am very happy with the result. The updated decor consists of the painting from Joe Richard, a painting given to me by Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, new photos of Cali, and several framed comic books (Batman, Maxx, Pitt, Daredevil, Swamp Thing). I also created a matted, framed print of the drawings I did of Grandpa from over the years and a photo of him walking down a road. Besides the new wall decor I also moved my collection of drawing books to the top of the heater housing and spread out my collection of toys within the shelves of the unit that Jolene built.

It may seem a bit much, but it really feels like me and I feel extremely creative and alive when I am there.

Destroyers Season Ticket Design

2009-01-09T19:50:00.001-05:00

As I stated in an earlier post, I am really enjoying being the creative force behind the new minor league basketball team Mid Michigan Destroyers. This week I created their season tickets, the program for their inaugural game as well as souvenir T-shirts.

As much as I enjoy working with Coach Newsham I am personally concerned about the amount of projects he is juggling. Not only is he the Head Coach of the team as well as doing all the marketing and finances, but he also has his day job and his home life as a father of two. I met with him several times this week and he looks really worn down and said that he is averaging 2-3 hours of sleep per night. I think I relate with him so well because I can appreciate his passion and the driving force behind seeing a vision come to life. These are also elements that frustrate the hell out of me since he is very hard to get a hold of and pushes deadlines to the midnight hour. But, if I am to continue to be part of this project I have to accept that this is the way that it will be and try to be more patient. Even maybe more understanding of him and the reflection I see of myself.

Tomorrow night Jolene, Cali and I will be attending the first home game and I am very proud to be a part of it.

YAC Meeting

2009-01-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

This evening was our once a month Youth Advisory Committee Meeting. I have now been an advisor for a year and each one of the meetings gets me creatively excited about what the youth of the committee are accomplishing and the role that I can take. For this particular meeting we discussed ways that the committee could gain a larger amount of recognition within the community. The right-side of my brain kicked into high gear as I suggested several avenues that the committee agreed to explore. Including members of the committee hosting a youth program on the local cable access channel, creating a mascot to be seen at various community events, and developing a business card for the members to carry that thoroughly explains the goals of the committee so that they could pass the cards on to other youths that may be interested in joining. Next week I plan on meeting with the Senior Advisor to suggest a radio program and mascot sketch. This is going to be a very fun year to be part of the committee and I am extremely excited to have the youth exploring new and fresh avenues.

Bizarre Sinus Remedy

2008-12-19T16:32:00.001-05:00

Sinus headaches are something that I have been plagued with for many years. They usually occur over my left eye and at times become unbearable when the "spikes" (sharp pain) begins. I can take an extra strength sinus pill and it will usually take care of it, but unfortunately it also knocks me out and my whole day is shot. So over the years I have experimented with many remedies trying to lessen the pain and still go on with my day. Several years ago I found a very strange combination that continues to work today.

1 - over the counter sinus caplet

1 - bag of very spicy potato chips

1 - spicy beef stick

32 - ounces of fountain Pepsi or Coke (must be fountain, not can or bottle)

Usually within 30 minutes I will feel better and within an hour the headache is gone for the most part. The only rational that I can come to, in regards to my bizarre recipe, is that the fountain Pepsi give caffeine and carbonation and the spicy items open up the blood vessels. But in reality I don't really care why it works I am just glad that it does. Now the challenge is how do I put all of those elements into a powder or caplet to sell to other sinus headache sufferers?

Tragically Hilarious!

2008-12-18T14:25:00.001-05:00

Oak Casket: $1350.00

Rainbow Wigs and Floppy Shoes: $237.50

Honking The Red Nose Of A Dead Clown During Viewing: PRICELESS

Demotivational Posters

2008-12-17T21:25:00.001-05:00

As much as I enjoy inspirational sayings and quotes, I find that "demotivational" posters will usually bring me out of a funk much faster. I could spend hours posting all the ones that I enjoy, but instead I have picked four that strike me particularly funny right now. If you enjoy these, visit http://www.despair.com/ for a vast selection of posters.

"Hard Work Often Pays Off After Time, But Laziness Always Pays Off Now"

"How Can The Future Be So Hard To Predict When All Of My Worst Fears Keep Coming True?

" Minds Are Like Parachutes, Just Because You've Lost Yours Doesn't Mean You Can Borrow Mine."

"If You Can't Learn To Do Something Well, Learn To Enjoy Doing It Poorly."

Reed Recording Company

2008-12-17T21:09:00.002-05:00

As my first year of business draws to a close I take great pride in not only seeing my scope of business expand but also that of my clients. Earlier this year I worked with Kool Kat recording artist Andy Reed in developing graphics for his 2008 CD release. Since that release Andy has also established Reed Recording Company. Andy currently is working with a very diverse roster of acts and one of the major draws to working with him is his use of reel to reel recording equipment. I recently assisted Andy in creating an identity for his company along with a business card.

For more information on visit

www.myspace.com/andyreedmusic

www.myspace.com/reedrecordingcompany

Cali's First Shirt Design

2008-12-16T16:53:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday Cali and I spent a good part of her "snow day" at my studio. One of the projects I needed to complete was a design for a Pre-School shirt. I submitted two concepts the day before, but the client felt they were too "adult" looking and requested that the artwork be more juvenile. My intention was to submit a new concept drawn left handed for the effect of being drawn by a child. While Cali was coloring at my drawing table it dawned on me that maybe a drawing from an actual child would work best, plus it would be a cool artistic bonding project for us. You can see the result of Cali's sketch in the photo below. The client loved it and only requested that the lines be "cleaned up" a bit. The final product can is seen on the actual printed shirt. For those of you screaming "child labor laws", rest assured that Cali was paid royally with a grilled cheese sandwich, fries and a chocolate malt from Big Boy.

Photo Day At Studio

2008-12-15T18:05:00.001-05:00

Not the most productive day, spent most of it addressing Christmas cards and researching grants for my children's book project. I picked Cali up from school and we came back to my studio where she drew a Christmas card for her to give to friends and classmates. As you can see below we also took turns taking pictures of each other. I think I am going to look into getting her an "inexpensive" digital camera of her own. She does a good job and is always wanting to take pictures.

Midland High School Football - Champs!

2008-12-13T18:25:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to the Midland High School football team for your incredible accomplishment of becoming 2008 District Champions. I was very honored when asked to create a t-shirt that would commemorate their outstanding season. I submitted several concepts but was very glad to see that they chose a vintage concept.

Thanks for involving me and I hope to be creating one in 2009 that says State Champs!

YMCA Cartooning Class

2008-12-12T22:15:00.001-05:00

Tonight I taught a cartooning class at the Bay Area Family Y. The class consisted of six students, ages ranging from 5 (Cali) to 10. During the 45 minutes I went over the importance of using basic shapes (circle, triangle and square) for the basis of Christmas cartoons like snowmen, reindeer, and Santa. It has been close to ten years since I last taught a class to kids and I found myself to be much more relaxed and focused than before. Maybe it is due to my comfortableness with children since becoming a parent. The feedback from the kids and parents was very positive and I will definitely explore the possibility of teaching more classes.....after all, I've bought all those damn "how to" books.

Creative Inspiration For The Studio

2008-12-12T17:54:00.001-05:00

I have recently acquired two outstanding pieces of art for my studio. Both pieces are by artists that I greatly admire and having them in my creative space has really given me a burst of inspiration.

The first piece is by local artist Joseph Richard. Joe and I have become good friends over the past couple of years. Originally brought together by our love of 80's rock music, but it is our artistic bond that had cemented the friendship. I have always wanted to own a piece of Joe's work and he recently offered me a piece entitled "Just Passing Through", inspired by an old Kick Axe song. Not only do I love the concept that it came for a great song, but the whole "just passing through" meaning really hit home for me. Maybe it's because of Jolene's brush with cancer last year, but I have definitely become more aware of my own mortality. Joe is an extremely creative and passionate artist as you can tell by the style, colors and size of the piece. Check out more of Joe's work at www.myspace.com/pistonartworks

The other piece is a framed print that I picked up at a lame comic book event in Flint a month ago. Renowned artist Carl Lundgren (http://www.carllundgren.com/) was there with several pieces for sale but it was a framed print of his self portrait that inspired me most. I love the concept of standing in complete ruble, facing a city that has been wrought with destruction, yet he is painting a beautiful wooded landscape. For me it means "surroundings do not need to inhibit creativity". I also love the out of the ordinary rustic framing around the print.

Coming soon to the walls of the studio will be a couple more framed items including CD booklets, comic books and limited prints.

Favorite Quotes 1

2008-12-12T10:00:00.001-05:00

For many years I have found strength, wisdom, comfort and humor in quotes. I recently began keeping a notebook next to my computer that is dedicated entirely to some of my favorite quotes as I see, hear, or think of them. Below are a few of my recent faves.

"The end is near, live accordingly." - Unknown

"People are like Slinky's, not much good for anything, but they sure are fun to watch when you push them down the stairs." - Bumper Sticker

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle

"You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on." - Dean Martin

"Insanity Claus" Christmas Card

2008-12-11T21:59:00.001-05:00

For the past couple weeks I have felt the need to send out a holiday card to my clients, but could not bring myself to use one of those fancy "run of the mill" corporate looking designs. I contemplated creating a custom card focusing on my cartooning, humor and wit, but feared that it may be too brash for some of my "corporate" clients. Then I remembered why I used my personal name for my business instead of creating a fictitious name. I wanted my business to represent me as well as I represent it. Basically, I take pride and confidence in who I am and the talents I can offer, and my humor (good or bad) is definitely all me. As a product of my own little pep talk to myself came this off beat Christmas card that has been very well received by clients as well as friends.

T'was the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...
How to live in a world that's politically correct?
His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".
"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.
Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,
Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd never had a notion
That making a choice could cause so much commotion.
No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;
Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.
Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passe;
And Playstation would rot your entire brain away.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.
Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.
With all these restrictions what's a jolly man to do,
But hope that the spirit of Christmas still lives in you.

So during these times when life seems so insane
And the holidays speed by like a runaway train
I give you this gift, it's price beyond worth...
May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.

SEASONS GREETINGS.

Operation Toy Rescue 2: Superheroes & Arm Fart Man

2008-12-11T16:00:00.001-05:00

The latest toy castaways to be rescued include Superman, The Hulk, Cat/Dog and a little guy I call Arm Fart Man. I have broadened my spectrum of toys to be rescued from my standard childhood favorites to now include ones that make funny noises. Yes, I am THAT easily amused. Arm Fart Man (if anyone knows his real name please tell me) makes a multitude of farting noises each time his arm is pushed down. Cali has officially voted it "toy of the week" and I must agree. How old will I be when a farting noise will not make me laugh? Never, I hope.

"Dead of Winter" Silence

2008-12-08T02:17:00.001-05:00

Big snow storm coming in tonight. The weather morons say to expect 3-8 inches. Sounds like a bad pick up line at a bar. But in the calm before the storm I experienced something incredible tonight. I worked at the studio until close to 11pm and when I stepped outside to walk home I was overwhelmed by the deafening sound of silence. I don't mean just a quiet night. I mean dead silence. No cars, no wind, no voices, no animals......NOTHING! I found myself standing perfectly still, in 19 degree weather and trying not to breathe just to see if I could hear anything. At first I found it to be peaceful, but then it just became erie. Even as I walked across Center Ave., on my trek home there were no people, no cars as far as I could see and only the sound of my boots crunching the icy snow in the street. If it wasn't for lights in the windows I would have honestly believed that while I was working the world had stopped. Cool Twilight Zone experience.

Half.com Goldmine

2008-12-05T12:51:00.001-05:00

One of my very favorite sites on the web is Half.com. Because of the cartooning classes I teach to kids as well as always trying to learn for myself, I continue to add to my collection of "how to draw" books. Whenever I see a book that I like at a retail store I immediately check Half.com for a new or used version at a much cheaper price. My latest goldmine comes in the form of several "how to draw" books. The cover price on all 14 books totals $185.00. Last week all the books arrived at my door for a whopping total of $17.70 and that INCLUDED shipping. Bada bing bada bang!

Operation Toy Rescue 1: Snoopy & Woody

2008-12-03T16:31:00.000-05:00

Today I successfully rescued "Joe Cool" Snoopy and Buzz Lightyear from a Salvation Army Thrift Store. I have found myself becoming more and more nostalgic regarding my creative roots and providing a safe haven for my tossed aside heroes within the walls of my studio. Over the past year I have rescue missions have been conducted for Mr. Incredible, Bart Simpson, Opus and Hammy (Over The Hedge) just to name a few.

Many moons ago I had the distinct privileged of speaking on the phone with Charles Schultz, the creator of Peanuts. The conversation was set up through a mutual friend and it took place shortly before his passing. As an aspiring cartoonist at the time I was thrilled to be speaking with the "Master". Charles was very patient with my questions and soft spoken with his answers and advise, which added to the intensity as I hung on his every word.

BARC - St. Patrick's Day Race

2008-11-30T19:32:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite projects this year has been working with the Bay Area Runners Club (http://www.barc-mi.com/) on print material for their upcoming 2009 St. Patrick's Day Race. What began as just creating an eye catching registration brochure blossomed into the recreation of their club logo, magazine ad and I am currently creating a promotion poster to promote the race. This has been a very challenging and rewarding project and I have really enjoyed working with the race committee.

US Speedskating Event

2008-10-03T18:15:00.000-04:00

A couple years ago I had the honor of working closely with Al Izykowski on developing t-shirt designs to support his son Alex who was competing in the Winter Olympics. The entire Tri-Cities really rallied around Alex and his quest and he made us all proud by bringing home the Bronze medal. Now, years later I still see at least one "Go Izy" shirt that I designed being worn around town.

So you can imagine my excitement when Al approached me about creating an event poster for the U.S. Junior Championships that were being held here in Bay City. My immediate thought was to create the type of poster that was enough that people would want to put on their wall to commemorate the event. The result was a water color manipulation of a photo of Alex in action. I am very happy with the final product and proudly display one on the wall in my studio. A big congratulation to Al for putting together another outstanding event.

I Will Miss You George.

2008-06-24T14:43:00.009-04:00

This past weekend we lost a creative genius in the passing of Comedian George Carlin. George's humor and social views have been very influential in many aspects of my creative life. His intelligent humor was a model that I tried to emulate during the many years I spent creating comic strips and I continue that style with my current radio show. Most recently many of his "words of wisdom" helped me emotionally through a serious health issue with my wife. Last year George was performing near my home and I passed on it thinking I would "catch him next time". I now regret that decision but I take great pride in the creative influence he had on my life.

Below is a short excerpt written by George Carlin that has assisted me numerous times to keep life in perspective. I hope you enjoy it, but more importantly I hope it strikes a cord deep within your soul and enriches your life.

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
- George Carlin

Keep only cheerful friends, the grouches will pull you down. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, or whatever. Never let the brain idle. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop and the devil’s name is Alzheimer. Enjoy the simple things. Laugh often, long, and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. The tears will happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are still living. Surround yourself with what you love, whether its family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, or whatever. Your home is your refuge. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to visit a friend, to the next county, to a foreign country, but not to where the guilt is! Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. And always remember: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away.

Pere Marquette Depot

2008-06-16T16:13:00.032-04:00

I have just returned from the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Pere Marquette Depot and find myself beaming with pride.

For the past several months I have had the pleasure of being involved with this project on several levels including the development of the logo, creation of letterhead and layout for the ribbon cutting ceremony postcards. Every element has been enjoyable, from my initial meeting with Eileen Curtis and Lisa Cleland regarding the need for a logo, to researching the history of the Depot, converting original architectural concepts to line art and even creating the tag line of "Foundation Of A Growing Community".

The Depot will be used as a Visitors Center and will also be home to the Bay Area Community Foundation as well as the Bay City Visitors and Convention Bureau. The Depot originally opened it's doors in 1904 and much of the original woodwork and structure remains.

I have been a resident of Bay City for 12 years and I wonder if the excitement and awe of being in and around the old buildings will ever subside.
My goal as an artist and as a person is to somehow make a difference and leave my mark on this world. One pencil stroke at a time, it is surely happening.

I sincerely appreciate Eileen Curtis and Lisa Cleland of the Bay Area Community Foundation for allowing me to be part of Bay City history.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T17:45:00.005-04:00

As I am about to wrap up Father's Day 2008, I find myself reflecting back at the day with a smile.

The morning started off with a warm "Happy Father's Day" hug and card from my wife, followed by the presentation of several pieces of original artwork from my daughter. Then it was off to join a couple close friends for 18 holes of disc golf in Midland. It has been over a year since I last threw the plastic and even though I am sure I will be a tad bit sore tomorrow, I am pleased with how I played and I really enjoyed spending quality time with friends in a relaxing atmosphere.

Then it was back home for a noon-time nap with my daughter. I know our nap days are numbered, so I always relish those moments, plus as I watch her eyes move behind her eyelids as she sleeps I find myself wondering what she is dreaming about. Whenever I ask, her answer is usually "puppies and butterflies, Daddy."

After the nap it as off to the in-laws for a nice BBQ, followed by another quick nap in their recliner while watching baseball with my daughter eating M&M's in my lap. (Two naps in one day.......I am only about one birthday away from having somebody wipe me and chew my food for me.)

Now, once I wrap up this post I think I'll wander back across to the street to where my couch, and a cold beer await and probably fall victim to nap #3 as I watch Tiger Woods attempt to win another US Open.

There is NOTHING more rewarding than being a Father.

Thanks for the time off girls.

Bellsmith Family Portrait

2008-06-14T20:35:00.005-04:00

Taking full advantage of a beautiful Summer morning, Jolene, Cali, and I walked to the YWCA Riverside Art Festival in downtown Bay City. Good friend, and Bay City native, Chris LaPorte is there every year performing his special brand of magic by sketching caricatures. Chris and I have been friends for more than 11 years and even though he currently resides in Grand Rapids, we touch base once or twice a year. Chris is an amazing artist and caricaturist, as you can see by the new Bellsmith Family Portrait, and a true inspiration for me.

Andy Reed CD Project

2008-06-13T17:17:00.004-04:00

I recently had the extreme pleasure of designing the CD packaging for the first full length release from musician, Andy Reed. The new disc, entitled "Fast Forward" has strong influences of old school musicianship from the likes of Cheap Trick and The Beatles, but is delivered in a fresh and vibrant way. Andy's only request in regards to the design was that it resemble the retro album covers of the 70's. I am very pleased with how the cover came together as well as the classic amp image used for the back track listing.

Sample a few of the songs at Andy's myspace page (www.myspace.com/andyreedmusic ) , my personal favorite is the song "Novacaine". If you are in Bay City, Michigan you can enjoy the songs live at the official CD release party on June 27 & 28 at The DoubleTree Hotel.

Thanks for the opportunity Andy.....you should be proud.

Coloring Sheets Galore

2008-06-01T18:19:00.000-04:00

Over the past couple of months I have turned out more than two dozen different coloring sheets for various events, holidays or just for my daughter to take to school. I try to create 1-2 each week , sometimes for no other reason than the pure fact that I love sitting down at the old drawing table and enjoying the fluidness of the inky curves. Recent coloring sheets have included the Pinconning CheeseTown Festival, Bay City River Roar, WIOG Street Team, COPOCO Credit Union Safety Day, YMCA Kids Health Day, Vacation Bible School and a special one for Kolb Elementary where I had the pleasure of participating in their Career Day.

From Concept To Creation

2008-05-10T11:32:00.010-04:00

One of the most enjoyable aspects is bringing creative life to a clients idea. A good example of that process is my recent identity creation for Sporty's Wing Shack and Smoke House. In my initial meeting with 'Sporty's", the owner presented his rough sketch of what was in his head and then expressed that he wanted a logo that was "cocky" but still family friendly. I pride myself in understanding the vision of the client and letting that vision serve as my guide while creating their art. As with all my projects, I loved the process and am proud to share some of the steps as seen below.

The First Thirty Days

2008-02-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

My first thirty days inside 1001 Center Avenue have come and gone. The initial month of Bellsmith Graphic Design and Promotional Concepts was far more than I could have hoped. I have greatly enjoyed the wide variety of projects ranging from new business logos, product concept logos, school mascot development, apparel designs, mass mail flyers and, of course, coloring sheets. 30 days in and I still relish each morning as I awake with a sense of excitement as to what the day will bring. This is the most creatively alive I have ever felt and I sincerely appreciate all of those that continue to support my venture. You rock!

My First T-shirt Creation (1994)

2008-02-02T18:58:00.000-05:00

In 1978, while watching a game between the Steelers and the Raiders, I became a lifetime Raider fan. I was drawn into the Silver and Black hole by the aggressive playing style and the take no prisoners attitude. From then on I tried not to miss any televised games and eventually got to the age where I could start attending games at the rough and tumble Oakland Coliseum. When I got to High School and met friends that were also Raider fans the passion went to a whole new level of intensity. I would yell at the games until I was horse, once to the point where I strained my vocal chords and could not speak for days. (Ahh....to be young and foolish). So you can image my immense disappointment when in 1982 the owner of the team moved the Raiders from Oakland to Los Angeles. I still followed the team but was one of those stubborn fans that would never wear anything that would say L. A. Raiders as I held out hope that they would someday return to Oakland.

Fast forward to 1994. Tragically, missing children posters were becoming more common in store windows and newspapers. Being a cynical 20 year-old I created my very first T-shirt. It is a parody of missing children posters but it focused on my football team that had been missing for years. The shirt contained a portion of the Oakland Raider logo (serious copyright violation) for the "missing" photo and the text read:

LOST: Football Team
MISSING SINCE: 1982
LAST SEEN: Hagenberger & 880 (location of Oakland Coliseum)
WEARING: Silver and Black
IF FOUND: Please return to the city of Oakland

I printed up a couple dozen and sold them to friends and other Raider fans. It quickly became quite popular and local Raider apparel stores started carrying it and I began selling them at Sport Card shows. At these shows there would usually be a couple retired Raider players at autograph booths and I would approach them with the shirt and in return they would sign a special football that I was using to collect the signatures of all my gridiron heroes. This was an incredible time in my life when I got to meet and speak with legends like Ken Stabler, Jim Plunkett, Fred Biletnikoff, Jack Tatum, Lester Hayes, Dave Casper, Ray Guy and the list goes on and on. In min 1995 it was announced that the Raiders would be returning to Oakland and the shirt was now another piece of retired Raider history. But it got some last minute exposure on ESPN and in USA Today as well as many of the local papers. I was even interviewed by several newspapers, which made me quite nervous since I seriously violated the copyright laws with using the Raider logo.

I still have a couple dozen of those classic shirts kicking around my basement somewhere, but the real treasure that I came away with was a very special football that contains over 30 signatures of Raider greats, 9 of them current Hall of Famers with several more that are bound to find their way to Canton, Ohio. I tell people that eventually the football will put my daughter through college. Personally I am hoping she can swing a scholarship, because I would not mind taking that ball to my final resting place inside a pine box.....one with a Raider shield etched into the front. And make the dirt silver and black please!

Steve Z - Tombstone Rubbing Artist

2008-01-28T18:29:00.000-05:00

This is probably going to freak some people out but I have a strong affection for cemeteries. Especially old and spooky cemeteries. One of the things I love about them is the artwork and craftsmanship in the old headstones. In my late teens I use to make rubbings of the headstones. It consisted of simply placing a large piece of tracing paper on the headstone and rubbing it with a piece of charcoal.

I recently met an extremely talented young artist that is incorporating tombstone rubbings with portrait painting. St eve Zirwes travels the country making rubbings of the headstones of deceased celebrities and then placing the actual rubbing into a large portrait. The outcome is some extremely fresh and authentic representations of some of the worlds most notorious people and their current place of residence.

Check out Steve's latest creations and stay up to date on his showings at SteveZart.com

Color Me Childish

2008-01-22T09:40:00.000-05:00

The other day a close friend asked me what my ideal job would be. I thought this was a ridiculous question since I just started my own business and am loving every minute of it. He further clarified his question by saying "if you had no personal, health or financial responsibilities, what would you do with your time that would bring you pure happiness?". For the record I am not fond of deep questions, especially when I'm trying to watch a football game. But after a few moments of contemplation, my response was "I would create children's coloring sheets and activities books all day long". The reason being that I experience a real sense of creative freeness with the pencil when I am creating coloring sheets and I love the thought of a youngster developing his creativity in conjunction with mine.

Each day I greatly enjoy the creative challenges of bringing my clients visions to graphic life and assisting them with development of their programs, and I wouldn't trade that for the world. But how cool would it be to spend all day in my feeted Scooby Doo jammies, drinking pepsi by the glassful, cranking old-school Van Hagar and Scorpions on the stereo and drawing funny pictures into the wee hours of the morning? Very cool!

Below is one of a series of coloring sheets I produced this past Christmas. And just for the record, staying within the lines is seriously overrated.

Awesome View

2008-01-16T09:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a snow storm blew through the area depositing a fair amount of that fluffy white stuff. Enough that required my shoveling the driveway before heading to The Studio. When I finally arrived at The Studio I was in awe of the picturesque view out the door next to my drawing table. As you can see it's a beautiful blanket of snow highlighting historic Grant Street and Trinity Episcopal Church. I felt I had to take a picture so that next time I am icing my back from all the damn shoveling I can remember that there are some cool aspects of a Michigan winter.

What Matters Most - The Beginning

2008-01-14T23:35:00.000-05:00

It's 11:35 P.M. and for the past twenty minutes I have been trying to create a witty post about the origin of Bellsmith Graphic Design and Promotional Concepts. But I realize that I am too tired for successful wit so I'll peel back the "funny man" exterior and go with the default mode of honesty.

I am a very blessed man to have a wonderful wife and amazing four year-old daughter, both mean the absolute world to me. And for the past five years I have been spending an average of two hours a day commuting to and from work, sometimes much longer during the Winter. Even though I greatly enjoyed the people I worked with, it unfortunately meant leaving the house before my daughter awoke and returning home (tired) with just enough time for the nightly bath and bedtime stories. As a Dad that is totally addicted to his little girl's laugh and smile, the time away was no longer a price I was willing to pay.

So here I sit, in my very own art studio only 310 feet from the front door of my home. Where inside the two people I treasure most sleep peacefully. Sure, I work some late nights, but earlier I was home for dinner, playtime, bath and bedtime stories. This truly is a great success story. Each day I get to go to work (for myself) and do something I love and within a matter of moments I can walk across the street and experience the love that fuels my creativity. That is what matters most.

I am complete.